California Dreamin'
Belivin', America's streets were paved in gold
But cold iron railroad tracks cross brothas' backs
Still causing cultural panic attacks
When trains whistle ching chong songs of fear of a yellow planet
Fear of Yellow Peril
And the headlines herald "Japs Go Home" as if home's a stone's throw
Prickling immigrants hearts like a permanent tattoo
America-the-untrue seduced fathers and brothers into California Dreamin'
Instead they end up cleaning houses
Or migrating to catch each season of work;
Canning salmon in Alaska
Or picking Asparagus in Washington
Were not the dreams of Asian men
Their dreams:
To spend the promise of certain wealth and equal opportunity
But brutal clarity was the only guarantee
As race often determines class disparities in the land of the free
So joined in struggle and solidarity
We, your Asian sistas', have carried through history
Half the burden of hurt and confusion
Our hands and yours side-by-side
As we hold up half the sky with fists upraised
I raise the roof in vocal praise
That I can call you "brother"
You, many times, my buffer from slanty-eye chants and poverty through
Playing all-night games of Monopoly
And racing our bikes and building forts and climbing trees
And snacking on Kimchi when it was the only thing in the house to eat
And when need be you raised your own fists in defense of me
You have loved me unconditionally
So no need to chase Bruce Lee
For respect and masculinity
Asian men your strength remains intact
Through your intellect and sturdy backs
Not bent low by your burden and struggles
Instead our shared troubles test our ability to overcome adversity
Establish mutual respect and fortify family stability
So despite our image as a model minority
We didn't get rich off no fruit stand or laundry
We didn't get rich working in sewing factories or waxing floors
We didn't get rich running a corner store or working at a restaurant
We damn sure didn't make no money in sweatshops or as a bellhop
No more California dreams
Or American get-rich-schemes for us
We rich in love and trust
Because our treasure chest is each other
We're rich because we're sister and brother
We're rich because we love one another